Smart, Casual Wear

• Thursday February 2, 2006 in: Today's Business Attire Tag(s):

  THOUGH the concept of fashionable clothing is most often practiced and to a large extent embraced, by what is now referred to as the metrosexual, the average man on the street need not confine his wardrobe to flannel shirts and jeans.

  Still there is such a thing as trying too hard and most men often find themselves getting overdressed to the sheer amusement and embarrassment of peers and loved ones.

  So much so that men end up looking to their girlfriends, wives and even fellow co-workers for advice on dressing up appropriately.

  If they're lucky enough they can get professional help from "Queer Eye for the Straight Guy."

  But even without the aid of the Fab Five a lot of men can still put some sense of order in their selection of clothes without having to appear as TH or trying hard.

  That's the main idea; to become fashionable without looking like you spent hours in a mirror. The code words are smart and casual. You look good but you don't sweat it.

  In that respect stylish, casual wear need not come from the latest imported brands or designer labels.

  One can throw in a pair of jeans, or shorts and mix it up with a long sleeved white polo and pastel shirt and sandals for that "Miami Vice", island look.

  Or one can simply go grunge but don't look like waterfront rejects by wearing workman flannel shirts and slacks and pair it with a nice pair of sandals or shoes.

  Wherever your fashion sense takes you, be sure that what you wear doesn't come across as loud or touristy. Or else muggers will take a fancy at you.

  In that case go grunge at your own risk.